Postdoctoral Researcher, Physics

The Department of Physics in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science is currently seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher in experimental nuclear physics for the JYFL Accelerator Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Jyväskylä, Finland starting from April 1st, 2024, or as soon as agreed for two years.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

The fixed-term position is part of the Academy of Finland funded project "Mass measurements of exotic N=Z nuclei (up to 100Sn) and the vicinity for nuclear physics and nuclear astrophysics studies".

The goal of the project is to develop techniques for production and high precision mass measurements of exotic nuclei along the heavy neutron-deficient N = Z line and its neighbours. The IGISOL group has established a strong reputation for conducting experimental studies of nuclei far from stability for nuclear structure study, with a strong connection to nuclear astrophysics. The person to be hired for the project will be responsible for the development and test of methods of the heavy ion-induced fusion evaporation and mechanism of multi-nucleon transfer (MNT) reactions for producing neutron-deficient heavy nuclei along the proton drip line, analysis of data related to the mass measurement experiment, and contribution to developing and maintaining IGISOL at top shape. The postdoc will present and publish the results related to the project from the experiments to have impacts on nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics studies. Moreover, the postdoc will join and be heavily involved in the experiments for mass measurements of exotic N=Z area nuclei at RIBF/RIKEN Nishina centre in Japan when the beam time will be scheduled. Furthermore, interests in other related physics motivation and novel techniques related to IGISOL or other radioactive ion-beam facilities are also highly encouraged and supported.

In this project, you will get a chance of collaborating with the world's leading experts (at JYFL, and other facilities like GSI-FAIR/Germany, GANIL/France, and RIKEN/Japan) to solve the long-standing problems on nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics. You will have opportunity and get support to present research progress and scientific results in a timely fashion during the employment period.

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in nuclear physics or a related field.
• Experience of nuclear physics experiments, instrumentation, and ion detector development. Experience on low-energy ion beam facility, medium-energy ion beam fragment separator, Penning trap and/or MR-TOF mass spectrometry will be more appreciated.
• The candidate is also expected to have basic knowledge of statistical physics and coding with python/C++/R/Root/Fortran.
• A high proficiency in spoken and written English.
• You are expected to communicate your results by writing manuscripts and giving presentations at international conferences.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The doctoral degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish Lake District having excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The City of Jyväskylä is a major educational center with a large student population and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. For more information regarding the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the Handbook for international staff and visitors.

The initial annual salary will be approximately 43,300 - 50,400 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. The employment starts with a trial period of six months.

How to apply?

The application documents that should be included in PDF format:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV), composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters
2. Cover letter including a statement of research interests
3. A numbered list of publications
4. Relevant certificates/diplomas
5. Research plan is not mandatory. Please submit your motivation/cover letter here again if our application form requires it.

For further details, please contact any of us: Zhuang Ge, zhuang.z.ge@jyu.fi, Tommi Eronen, tommi.eronen@jyu.fi, or Anu Kankainen, anu.kankainen@jyu.fi.